This rendering shows the layout of a proposed retail redevelopment project southwest of routes 2 and 615 in Mentor. However, elements may change following feedback from the Planning Commission at a May 17 work session.
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Mentor Planning Commission held a rare work session this week to address aspects of a major retail redevelopment project.

The first phase of the proposal from Pepper Pike-based Visconsi Companies, Ltd.,will transform about 20 acres southwest of routes 2 and 615.

“This is a project of significant size, scope and complexity, coupled with the fact that the preliminary plan was met with many questions,” said Ronald M. Traub, Mentor’s Economic and Community Development director, noting that the Newell Creek development required multiple work sessions.

Comments at the May 17 meeting mainly centered on how to make the multipronged plan cohesive.

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Commission Chairman William Snow reiterated the desire for a “campus-type feel” so that “when this all gets developed, it looks like an integrated project (with) integrated architecture, integrated landscaping.”

He mentioned the development off of Interstate 271 in Macedonia as an example.

The preliminary site plan shows a 55,000-square-foot grocery store with a drive-thru pharmacy at the north end of the development and a large parking lot just south of it, with six outlots and an area designated as Phase II. Other proposed uses include a 16-pump gas station/convenience store, 48,000 square feet of retail space, a 7,000-square-foot auto parts store, a 3,000-square-foot fast food restaurant with drive-thru, another 6,000 square feet of retail space and — eventually — a 35,000-square-foot fitness center.

Some members suggested orienting the buildings so they face each other and adding a walking path connecting the buildings.

“I can’t see myself walking through the parking lot,” Commission member Katherine Cimperman said. “I don’t see this as being walkable.”

She also asked project representatives to consider adding a central feature such as a fountain and a public area — potentially for events — amid the parking lot.

“(Retailers are) a little spooked in regard to things that are happening with retail sales,” Goldberg said. “They’re reducing the size of their stores, growing at a slower rate … being more methodical … It’s a lot harder to get deals done. That’s what it really comes down to.”

The original concept plan for the development had included an 87,000-square-foot grocery store, a 45,000-square-foot fitness club and an 8,400-square-foot multitenant retail center.

The surge in online retail transactions has contributed to a number of national chains filing for bankruptcy and closing buildings.

“There have been more closures so far this year than there had been in all of 2016, so I think the traditional retail environment has been shaken to its roots,” Traub said.

“I think, in the foreseeable future, we will continue to shop for groceries in the traditional manner.”

A Giant Eagle Market District is said to be interested in the Visconsi development. This has yet to be confirmed by the developer.

The overall development will require a road vacation of Kelly Drive right-of-way to be reviewed and approved by both the Planning Commission and City Council. The road vacation will need to be recorded prior to any subdivision plat.

In addition, the drive-thru window will require a conditional-use permit as part of final site plan approval.